INTO BOTSWANA

BOTSWANA CULTURE

The earliest modern inhabitants of Southern Africa were the Bushman (San) and the Hottentot (Khoe), who have lived an almost unchanged lifestyle in Botswana since the Middle Stone Ages. The physical characteristics of the Khoe and the San are similar: Both tend to have light, almost coppery skin color, slanted, almond-shaped eyes, high cheekbones, thin lips and tufted, tightly curled hair. Both speak 'click' languages, though there are major differences between the dialogue. Both hunted and collected wild foods; neither grew crops. Around 60,000 years ago, the people of sub-Saharan Africa were of one tribe, probably of Khoe/San type. It is believed that the Bantu-speaking people were an offshoot from the Khoe/San tribe. This occurred in the tropical rain forests of equatorial Africa about 10,000 years ago. The Bantu-speaking people gradually developed darker skin pigmentation and unique physical attributes due to the different environments they eventually occupied. The history of Botswana is characterised by migrations of ethnic groups into the country. The group which eventually emerged as most numerous, and dominant, were the Batswana. The term 'Batswana' refers to the people who speak the Setswana language and share the Sotho-Tswana culture, while in its common usage, it refers to all citizens of the Republic of Botswana, regardless of ethnicity. The majority of the staff in the camps are either BaYei tribesman or MaXaniqwe (River Bushmen). Most people were born on islands nearby and have an intimate knowledge and passion for the area. They take great joy in imparting their local knowledge and culture, and love sharing their singing and dancing with guests. Many of our guests rate their interactions with Batswana staff as a memorable element of their stay.